What is SAFEGROUNDS+?

SAFEGROUNDS+ is the name adopted by the new network formed by amalgamating
the programmes and governance of CIRIA's SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR Networks.

Why have SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR been merged?

Both the SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR programmes have evolved from being focused
extensively on producing guidance to a focus of implemetation and learning.

Combining the networks also makes it easier to identify synergies between
these two programmes - with SAFEGROUNDS focusing on contaminated land and
SD:SPUR focusing on the waste hierarchy - and to identify gaps in awareness,
knowledge and guidance.

Will SAFEGROUNDS+ produce any more guidance?

The current focus of the merged network on learning does not preclude it
from identifying the need for and producing new guidance or updates of previous
guidance in the future.

What is the difference between SAFEGROUNDS
guidance and SAFEGROUNDS information?

SAFESPUR and SD:SPUR operated as CIRIA steering groups, albeit with a strong
independent governance and composition.

Guidance produced underwent an exhaustive peer review process,
again following CIRIA's usual approach. On completion, the guidance documents
were assigned a SAFEGROUNDS logo to denote consensus-based endorsement by
the Steering Group:

Under the SAFEGROUNDS programme, a number of other "information"
documents were also produced, in some cases reflecting the views of a particular
stakeholder group. While such information was published via the SAFEGROUNDS
website, it was not assigned the SAFEGROUNDS logo, so had a lower status in
terms of consensus within the Steering Group. However, some information documents
(eg summarising the regulatory regime) were non-contentious, and so extensive
review was not warranted.

A similar situation applied to SD-SPUR guidance.

What is SAFESPUR+ and how does it relate
to SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR?

The SAFESPUR Network was first formed in 1998 as a consultation and dissemination
network for SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR. It was established and remains as a subscription
service based around a programme of dissemination and consultation events.

Over the years, SAFESPUR has developed events that are not based on the SAFEGROUNDS
and SD:SPUR programmes and, on occasions, have covered topics that are beyond
the remit of these two networks.

The new designation of SAFESPUR+ is being used to signify this independence
from the SAFEGROUNDS and SD:SPUR programmes.

What links does SAFESPUR+ retain to SAFEGROUNDS+?

SAFESPUR+ events will be developed as independent events. However, the SAFESPUR+
programme may also be used to deliver events suggested by and developed with
the SAFEGROUNDS+ programme. Any such association will be set out on individual
event details.

Given the special relationship developed between industry, regulatory, NGO
and other stakeholders and the significance of the brand, members of the current
SAFEGROUNDS+ committee felt it is important to restrict use of the SAFEGROUNDS
and SD:SPUR approved brands to specific peer-reviewed and consensus-driven
activities.

How does this affect my membership of SAFESPUR?

The changes will not affect your member benefits nor the quality and authority
of individual events. In fact, the formation of the new Advisory Group as
part of the new governance provides the opportunities for members to better
engage with and influence the development of the future programme.